iExplore Melbourne Extension:

Tour Overview

Welcome to Melbourne! Melbourne is the capital of Victoria and is a relatively modern city that is less than 200 years old and never sits still. New futuristic designs add to the fascinating mix of architecture and ensure the skyline is constantly changing. Melbourne is very much about lifestyle. It is no huge surprise to residents that their city has been ranked as one of the world’s most livable cities. There is much to love about Melbourne. This sophisticated world city in the south-east corner of mainland Australia inspires a deep passion in those lucky enough to live here. Melbournians love the city's vibrant energy, staggering choice of restaurants, funky boutiques, café-filled laneways, cool bars, unbeatable galleries, luscious parks and village-like inner suburbs, each with its own special character.
Melbourne offers sport, fashion and festivals to entertain you as you explore this wonderful city!

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 01: Melbourne, Australia Welcome to Melbourne! When you arrive at Melbourne’s International Airport today, you will be met and driven to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure Melbourne, the capital of the state of Victoria, is known as the Garden, Arts and Sports capital of Australia. Its beautiful tree-lined boulevards, many parks and gardens and beautiful Victorian terrace houses, great restaurants, wonderful theatre and art galleries together with international sporting events all combine to make this elegant city one of the world’s most livable. The Sofitel is located at the prestigious ‘Paris end’ of Collins Street in the heart of the central business district, with sweeping views across Melbourne’s skyline. Historic buildings, elegant boutiques and corporate headquarters surround it. Rooms start at the 36th level so every guest enjoys splendid floor to ceiling panoramas. Each room offers the ultimate in comfort and tasteful design. The Grand Hyatt Melbourne is located at the top end of prestigious Collins Street in the heart of Melbourne's central business, shopping, theatre and restaurant district and is within walking distance of many of Melbourne's tourist attractions including Federation Square, National Gallery of Victoria, Victorian Arts Center, Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Center, Melbourne Aquarium, Melbourne Museum and Melbourne Cricket Ground. Grand Hyatt Melbourne is the ideal Melbourne hotel for both business and leisure traveler and it is just 30 minutes drive from Melbourne Airport.
Hotel Sofitel - Classic King or Grand Hyatt Hotel – Grand RoomDay 02: Melbourne
After breakfast today, enjoy a half-day city tour of Melbourne. Discover the diversity of this multi-cultural city on this tour. See historical buildings, beautiful gardens, and shopping areas famous for their restaurants and fashion. Melbourne is the sporting city. Melbournians are passionate about their Aussie Rules footy and almost all sports known to mankind. Drive through the government precinct and see the historic Exhibition Buildings alongside the ultramodern Melbourne Museum. Next take in the bustling activity of Queen Victoria Markets where huge range of fresh produce, exotic foods, clothing and artifacts are sold amidst a chorus of stallholders. (Please note that the Queen Victoria Markets are not open Monday and Wednesday.) Amongst the glorious colors and smells of the Botanical Gardens enjoy morning tea near the banks of the Yarra River. Drive by the Rod Laver Tennis Center that host the Australian Tennis Open each year continuing on to St Kilda, one of the most picturesque points of this bayside suburb. At Lake Albert you will enter the Australian Formula One Grand Prix track as you proceed back to the city center. Return to the hotel on conclusion of the tour where the remainder of the day is at leisure. Consider a leisurely stroll along the shopping strips of upmarket traditional Toorak, funky Chapel Street Prahran or culturally Vietnamese Bridge Street Richmond.
Breakfast
Hotel Sofitel - Classic King or Grand Hyatt Hotel – Grand Room


Day 03 : Melbourne Enjoy a full day at leisure in Melbourne, pr perhaps join in an optional excursion. Optional Scheduled Penguin Express Tour. Travel direct from Melbourne to Phillip Island with panoramic views of French Island on the way. See the little penguins returning up the beach to their nightly nesting places. Visit the Education Center for information about the penguins and how they live. Cafe meals are available (own expense.)
Breakfast
Hotel Sofitel - Classic King or Grand Hyatt Hotel – Grand Room
Day 04: Melbourne - Depart
Today you will be driven to the Melbourne International Airport for your onward flight.
Breakfast